A Metro spokesman said time is needed because workers will have to rebuild the stairways.

The spokesman said the work is part of the transit system's $148 million, six-year repair plan for the escalators. Work on the Foggy Bottom escalators is expected to begin in January, while repairs are expected to begin soon at Dupont Circle, the Examiner reported.

A previous Metro report had warned that escalators have been breaking down more often, and consultants brought in blamed Metro's poor maintenance practices.